Things to do in Tokai, Chubu: The Best Historic Walking Areas

May 21, 2021 Etsuko Causey

Discover the best top things to do in Tokai, Japan including Higashiyama Walking Course, Nakasendo Magome-juku, The Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go Gassho Style Houses, Gempeigawa River, Ise Shrine Geku, Akihasan Hongu Akiha-jinja Shrine, Iwamura Historical Town, Isehonkaido Okitsujuku, Tarai Misaki Yuhodo, Suzaki Ebisu Island.
Restaurants in Tokai

1. Higashiyama Walking Course

Atagomachi, Takayama Gifu Prefecture http://alkg.jp/course/C121014
Excellent
44%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 434 reviews

Higashiyama Walking Course

Temples and shrines, a castle and private homes are among the sights along this 3.5 kilometer self-paced walking tour.

Reviewed By HappyFamily0f3 - London, United Kingdom

We thoroughly enjoyed the walk above Takayama town, exploring the various peaceful shrines and cemeteries along the way. It was quiet on a hot August day, but due to bear activity in the area it was recommended to bang a large metal can before entering some temples, just to ‘give the bears notice’ as one of the signs said. Unfortunately we couldn’t complete the route as the park was completely closed due to the bears. That was a shame and resulted in a long hot walk home along the road. Despite that, it is still a great way to spend a few hours in Takayama. There is also a great little quirky coffee shop along the way. Stop there for a drink and you’ll have your picture taken by the friendly owner and feature in his visitors book!

2. Nakasendo Magome-juku

Magome, Nakatsugawa 508-0502 Gifu Prefecture +81 573-69-2336 http://www.kiso-magome.com/migarunatabi.html
Excellent
51%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 660 reviews

Nakasendo Magome-juku

This historic footpath through the Kiso Valley connects the villages of Tsumago and Magome. The partially paved trail is approximately 8 kilometers in length and passes by several historic and natural wonders.

Reviewed By bearykim - Singapore, Singapore

a short 7-8km walk took us 4 hours as my group were crazily taking photos along the trail.. overall an easy and charming walk.. you will come across a charming tea house who serves u free green tea .. a donation box is availsble which helps to upkeep the place..

3. The Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go Gassho Style Houses

Ogimachi, Shirakawa-mura, Ono-gun 501-5627 Gifu Prefecture +81 5769-6-1013 http://shirakawa-go.org/kankou/
Excellent
55%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,168 reviews

The Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go Gassho Style Houses

Reviewed By ToruO - Setagaya, Japan

Luckily the place wasn't so crowded when I went there (ironically, thanks to COVID-19) but the weather was very unstable, thanks to an oncoming typhoon. The traditional thatched roof houses were quite a beauty to look at. Some are open to visitors but charge you a 300 yen admission. As you will be walking around a lot, it's best to visit during spring or fall when the weather is mild. If it weren't for COVID_19, you should definitely book a round trip bus ticket in advance. I traveled from Kanazawa station, and purchased tickets at an information center nearby. There are also tickets to and from Takayama station. Also, there are no trash cans, just like in most Japanese tourist spots. Bring plastic bags to put your trash in, so you can dispose of them when you get back to your hotel.

4. Gempeigawa River

Shibahoncho, Mishima 411-0857 Shizuoka Prefecture +81 55-983-2642 http://www.mishima-kankou.com/msg/midokoro/10000009.html
Excellent
50%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 140 reviews

Gempeigawa River

5. Ise Shrine Geku

279 Toyokawacho, Ise 516-0042 Mie Prefecture +81 596-22-5545 http://www.isejingu.or.jp/about/geku/
Excellent
61%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 779 reviews

Ise Shrine Geku

Reviewed By HotRodHeart - France, null

This shrine is the smaller one, situated not far from the town center. It is great to stroll around, and enjoy the atmosphere of greenery and mystery that floats around. You can end up in little trails in the forest, and really feel the nature around you. I visited this shrine before the bigger one the next day, and it's a good thing I did. It's like going to a different scale.

6. Akihasan Hongu Akiha-jinja Shrine

841 Haruno-cho Ryoke, Tenryu-ku, Hamamatsu 437-0693 Shizuoka Prefecture +81 539-85-0111 http://www.akihasanhongu.jp/
Excellent
54%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 35 reviews

Akihasan Hongu Akiha-jinja Shrine

Akihasan Hongu Akiha-jinja Shrine pays tribute to the famous Akihasan, which is said to be one of the most sacred mountains in the Tokai region. It was founded in Wado 2 (709 AD). In the Middle Ages, it was called "Akiha Daigongen" (God of Fire) and was widely known throughout the country as a highly virtuous god. It was given the highest rank as a god by the Imperial Court. Many great swords were also donated to the shrine by famous warlords. Furthermore, during the Edo period, Akihakou (Group for worshiping Mt. Akiha) was formed all over the country, and the main road was crowded with worshipers. Even today, rituals are performed in traditional ways and are respected throughout the country. (Prayer reception is from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm) (All day worship and prayer are possible from New Year's Eve to New Year's Day)

7. Iwamura Historical Town

Hommachi Iwamuracho, Ena 509-7403 Gifu Prefecture +81 573-43-3231 http://iwamura.jp
Excellent
45%
Good
45%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 53 reviews

Iwamura Historical Town

8. Isehonkaido Okitsujuku

Misugicho Okitsu, Tsu 515-3531 Mie Prefecture
Excellent
67%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
33%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3 reviews

Isehonkaido Okitsujuku

9. Tarai Misaki Yuhodo

Minamiizu-cho, Kamo-gun 415-0301 Shizuoka Prefecture +81 558-62-6300 http://www.nihon-kankou.or.jp/shizuoka/detail/22304cb3410089774
Excellent
25%
Good
63%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 16 reviews

Tarai Misaki Yuhodo

10. Suzaki Ebisu Island

Suzaki, Shimoda 415-0014 Shizuoka Prefecture http://izugeopark.org/geosites/ebisujima/
Excellent
50%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
27%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 22 reviews

Suzaki Ebisu Island

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